Catholic Funeral Traditions

Published: 12/11/2009 by Funeral Home Resource Team

A Catholic funeral, like all funerals, is a time of sadness and mourning. However, in the Catholic faith there's joy in the belief that a funeral represents the passing of the beloved into eternal life. The Catholic Church has many traditions concerning funerals and funeral preparation, though some of these traditions are in dispute or are falling out of favor.

The Catholic Funeral Rites which in their entirety are more correctly called the Rite of Christian Burial are intended, at least in part, to serve the needs of the bereaved for comfort, closure and peace.

At the time of death, the church parish may be contacted before a funeral home is called. Some Catholics will opt out of conventional funeral home services in favor of Roman Catholic services. You can be sure that the Roman Catholic Church will handle the funeral with utmost respect for the deceased and the grieving family. A priest and other church figures will minister to the grieving friends and family in whatever ways are needed.

The Vigil

The Catholic vigil is a prayer service, usually held the evening before the funeral. The community of friends and family will gather for a service at the funeral home or the church. The vigil includes prayer for both the deceased and the grieving family. Also, a eulogy may be read at the vigil instead of at the funeral service. The Catholic Vigil is a prayer service, usually held the evening before the funeral. Two things take place at a Catholic Wake. First friends and relatives of the deceased person gather to give one another mutual support and extend their condolences especially to the immediate family the person who has died.
Second, The prayer service can vary according to the needs and wishes of the family of the deceased but generally includes a brief reading from scripture, an even more brief homily or shared reflection, communal prayer and if desired some brief eulogizing of the deceased. The

Catholic Funeral Liturgy

For Catholics one of the most comforting aspects of a Funeral Liturgy is that it takes place within the fabric of a normal Mass celebration. The core of the Catholic funeral celebration will likely consist of several elements. The Funeral Mass is celebrated much as any regular mass. The Eucharist is almost always performed. This is the ceremony at the center of the Catholic faith - the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the homily is always to explain the words of the gospel reading just shared and make a meaningful connection between the Gospel message and the loss of a loved one.Prayer also plays a prominent role in the Catholic funeral service, along with songs, hymns and a brief message. However, almost any aspect of the service can be left out, if it is the wish of the family.

Catholic Funeral Prayer
God our Father,
Your power brings us to birth,
Your providence guides our lives,
and by Your command we return to dust.

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,
their lives change but do not end.
I pray in hope for my family,
relatives and friends,
and for all the dead known to You alone.

In company with Christ,
Who died and now lives,
may they rejoice in Your kingdom,
where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family,
to sing Your praise forever and ever.

Amen.

Cremation

Cremation is still controversial within Catholic circles (especially among conservative, Orthodox Catholics). However, the Church does allow and accept cremation. If there is any dispute, the 1983 Code of Canon Law (1176. 3) now reads, “The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching.” If there is a cremation, it will almost always take place after the funeral service.